Fast Forward with Books and Videos

Jump-start your home practice with these indispensable yoga videos and books.

By Richard Rosen

I like to read about yoga. My library of yoga books has expanded over the years to fill all of the available shelf space in the living, dining, and practice rooms, and is now spilling over onto the floor around the bookcases and my computer desk. My wife isn't amused. "Look at all these books," she grumbles. "You're never going to read this one, are you?" waving a dusty, dog-eared tome by Swami Somebody-Ananda under my nose. "Let's give it to the Salvation Army."

You too can make your significant other grumble after you read my recommendations of the five most indispensable books for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students. I first asked myself: What kinds of books are appropriate for each category of student? I decided that beginners need basic, nontechnical information, with an emphasis on the fundamental physical dimensions of the postures and breathing, with a little philosophy thrown in for perspective and inspiration. Intermediates need more detailed instruction and a broader historical and philosophical context for their practice. Advanced students want to refine their knowledge and challenge themselves to reach beyond the experienced limits of body and mind.

The choices weren't easy. There really are a lot of worthwhile yoga books out there, and I'm sure I'm going to hear some complaints from students and teachers about who's on this list (and in which category) and who's not. I tried to be fair about my selections. Remember that I'm only listing books that I've read and that are in print and widely available and affordable.

And if that isn't enough, I've also included 10 videos to enhance your practice. I've looked at around 150 videos over the years and written reviews for about half. Picking just 10 from among them gave me a headache. Like the books, there are a lot of good videos available, but I have tried to list a range of videos from different schools and teachers.

Let the reading, and watching, begin.

♦ Beginner Books

The Runner's Yoga Book: A Balanced Approach to Fitness by Jean Couch (Rodmell Press, 1992). One of the best introductions to the practice of yoga postures. Clearly written and well organized, with more than 400 illustrations and photographs. The models demonstrate three levels of practice—beginning, intermediate, and advanced—so this book will have a long shelf life and be useful for years to come. Covers nearly 100 postures (along with variations), all of them suitable for beginners. Also includes sections on yoga basics and organizing a home practice.

Yoga for Body, Breath, and Mind: A Guide to Personal Reintegration by A.G. Mohan (Sterling Publications, 1995). A traditional approach to yoga from a student of the late T. Krishnamacharya, one of the great yoga teachers of this century. Includes introductory chapters on yoga and personal reintegration and the role of the postures, basic instructions on 23 postures (including three inversions), and the proper sequencing (vinyasa) of a daily practice, yoga breathing, meditation, and yoga therapy.

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